Now, we know iOS 7′s still in beta and it’s like jumping before time but nevertheless, you can’t be too early in talking about iOS7 features that have sparked a debate. The automatic app updates in iOS 7 is one that fits the bill perfectly.

Till iOS 6, users will have to manually update the apps that are ready to receive an update. This is somewhat annoying in a way that none other than Senator McCain voiced concern over. Turns out Apple was already fixing that.

In iOS 7, apps will update automatically by default. All you’ll see is a notification once the apps are updated. At first, this seems like an amazing thing to happen for users. Imagine all the time that you can save by not having to open the App Store, tap on the Updates and then update the apps after entering your password.

But incidentally, this can be get pretty annoying. Here’s why:

-If you have a ton of apps, at any given point of time, there’s going to be a bunch of apps updating. This means they’re eating up your data.
-Not all updates mean better apps. In fact, the functionality of an app goes down after an update.

Which brings us to the question: how to disable automatic app updates in iOS 7.

How to Enable and Disable Automatic App Updates in iOS 7
1. Go to Settings
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘iTunes & App Stores’
3. Under the ‘Automatic Downloads’ section, you should find a field named Updates
4. Turn off the switch for this field.
5. (Note: on the contrary, if you want to enable Automatic updates, turn this switch to ON).

Updates will not work automatically henceforth.

This means you’re basically reverting back to the iOS 6 model where the App Store gets notification badges. You can then go into the App Store → Updates section and update the apps individually/collectively.

People familiar with a bad experience after an app update will probably want to disable the automatic updates feature.

This feature has been a consistent presence in all iOS 7 betas so we’re expecting no changes to this.